Small-scale driftnet fisheries

In March 2013 the European Commission launched a consultation on the small-scale driftnet fisheries. The consultation was closed on 15 September 2013.

Contributions were submitted by using an online questionnaire and additional information could be sent by e-mail.

Objective of the consultation

To help the Commission:

to get an overview of the small-scale driftnet fisheries sector

to decide whether and how to review implementation of EU rules for this sector

Current EU legal framework on driftnet were laid down in 1998, to prevent overfishing of certain fish species such as tuna and swordfish and reduce the negative impact on marine mammals, sea turtles and other protected species.

There are no plans to change the rules themselves, which are in line with relevant UN resolutions and regional measures. But changing how they are implemented could make them more effective.

In particular, the Commission wanted to assess what impact driftnets still have on prohibited and protected species.

Number of responses received

40

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